It was a hot summer day when I met him on the construction site next to my parents’ house. Under the sweat and dirt, Manning Sutter was as handsome as the sun was bright. He was older, darker, experienced. I wore a smiley-face t-shirt and had never even been kissed. Yet we saw something in each other that would link us in ways that couldn’t be broken…no matter how hard we tried.I loved Manning … loved Manning before I knew the meaning of the word. I was too young, he said. I would wait. Through all the carefully-chosen words hiding what we knew to be true, through his struggle to keep me innocent, and through infinitely-starry nights—I would wait. But I’d learn that life isn’t always fair. That no matter how much you achieve, none of it matters if you suffer the heartbreak that comes with falling for someone you can never have. Because even though I saw Manning first, that didn’t matter. My older sister saw him next.
Book one in an epic, three-book saga of forbidden love.
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This is the first book of 4 that are my absolute favorite series by the best author of all time. I cannot recommend this series enough.
Holy slow-burn chemistry. This book was amazing. The writing was so crisp and detailed I felt like I was in the story. The characters have stolen my heart. The plot sucked me in from the very first page. I can’t wait to read the rest of this story.
Honestly. This book consumed me. It pulled me it. It captivated me right from the first word. I didn’t even read the blurb. I wasn’t prepared. I went into this one blind & it absolutely ruined me. Every word was a hit to the gut. To be honest, I’ve been avoiding this book. Only because I knew it would end in a cliffhanger. But mostly because I knew this book would be unforgettable and would mostly likely wreck me. But something called me to it. I kept coming back to it and today I just decided to dive right in.
I felt everything. Every word. Every thought. Every kiss. All the conflicted emotions in this book felt so real & it hurt so good. I literally can’t even begin to process how I feel. All I know is that I need MORE! I am so invested in this story, it’s like a tv series you binge watch because you can’t stop. It’s like a drug you crave so good, even a minute without it is insanity. It’s addictive. It’s obsessive and it’ll change you in the most unexpected ways.
The best part? The taboo. The forbidden aspect and how sometimes you can’t control who you love and there are things you do, morally wrong things you do in order to keep that love in your life. This kinda love shows up at the most unexpected time with the most unexpected person. And when that person is off limits, morally and legally? Isn’t that twice the appeal? But sometimes, there are consequences to actions. Consequences that could possibly lead to heartbreak and leave us hanging.
I seriously can’t wait for the next book and I hate that I read this one real quick because now I have to wait (I CAN’T) and I love it because this story was different in all the right ways. Praise to Jessica Hawkins for a book and series that the book community will be talking about for days!
Manning Sutter was a man in pain over the past and he was working next door on a construction site for Mr. Kaplan, who had 2 daughters Tiffany the oldest was being rebellious because her father paid more attention to his younger daughter Lake that was a straight A student, and he maid sure she did everything she could for her future. Lake was so unlike her sister but they were a lot alike. Lake and Tiffany have their own ideas about Manning. But Manning was only trying to help the sisters he thought. Unfortunate for Manning. Storyline was very interesting. The characters were well rounded. Suspense romance. Cliff hanger. Book one of the series. I purchased this book. I am providing an honest review.
Jessica Hawkins does not know how to write anything but pure MAGIC, every word every story is a piece of perfection!!!! I love this series!!! Lake and Manning are perfect.
This book is perfect for summer – young love that takes place during the season. And you know I’m a sucker for a forbidden romance!
Jessica Hawkins what have you done to me? I’m literally itching to get my hands on the rest of the series after reading this. THE ANGST. THE SUSPENSE. THE FEELINGSSS. I couldn’t put this one down. Jessica is a master at making her readers crave to know what’s going to happen next, and the tension throughout the entire novel is as delicious as it is nerve wracking. The concept for the story is truly unique and seriously epic. A decade long saga of forbidden love? I’m in! I’d highly suggest you sign yourself up too and hop on the Lake and Manning bandwagon.
For honest review. This is a story of lake a 16 yr old girl and her sister tiffany 19 yrs old who meet manning Sutter a construction worker next to their house and becomes friends with him but when something happen it changes many lives. Awesome 10 stars
I love these characters so much. This series is one of my absolute favorites. The characters, the story, the writing, the emotions…all of it blends together for a wonderful story about forbidden love.
Love the whole series!!!!! Especially books 1-3
There are numberous surprises
I simply couldn’t stop reading this book. It was so wonderful in so many ways! And, honestly, Lake could have been me. I had a very similar upbringing as she did and, in a lot of ways, only just now feel like I’m figuring out who I am, not who my dad wanted me to be. And, yes, I was just as naive and innocent as Lake at her age. This made Lake very easy to relate to and sympathize with. And… PINK FLOYD, man! Yes. Ms. Hawkins is my spirit animal. This is a must-read for anyone who craves a slow burn that keeps you guessing right to the end.
I really enjoyed this book. A sweet love story and so refreshing to read of innocence and strong moral character.
Lake young innocent and has always wanted to please her parents especially her father. So when she meets Manning she hopes to have the favor of her parents and the guy. Her sister however doesn’t look for her parents favor, has never expected it, she does have her eye on Manning and being the older of the two and seeing the chance she jumps on it. Manning thinking he can keep an eye on Lake stay in her life by seeing her sister Tiffany. Things don’t go in the way it was planned. Sad, but I have to say Lake was still very young and impressionable, not ready to make any adult decisions.
Wow…. I don’t even know where to begin. This book is absolutely amazing! These characters are what make Jessica Hawkins stand out from other authors. She delivers you a story that has so much emotion and angst behind it.
I fell in love with Manning and Lake from the very begining. I wanted them to get everything, but could understand the complications. My heart was always one beat from jumping out of my chest. The chemistry between them is everything!
“You can’t move the stars.
Manning and I were inevitable.”
And that ending, wow! Way to just leave our hearts bleeding. I need to get started on the next book. Great read!
Lake and Manning’s story begins and I am left enticed, stunned and craving more. Plan on having your emotions go on a crazy roller coaster ride as this poignant tale brings all the feels that you will be able to handle. This slow simmering romance burns hot and the emotions are deep. It is a story of desire, pain, attraction, angst, heartache, guilt, frustration, tenderness, soulmates, the cruelty of fate and love. These characters are layered and complex. Lake is sweet, smart, loyal and naïve, this means that she embraces her feelings and loves with her whole heart . Manning is a charmer and a genuine good guy that is struggling to do the right thing while a war rages between his heart and his head. A truly remarkable read! This is book one of four and yes, Lake and Manning’s journey will pick up and continue in book two.
Awesome series!
This series is phenomenal. It’s a four book series and i’m glad I didn’t start it prior to the series being complete. Not sure I would have survived the anticipation
All the feels…so good
This book was so good I bought the other 3 in the series. Will probably read them again in the future.
A teenage girl may like this, I struggled to finish it,